Magritte's Surreal Masterpiece Shatters Auction Records
New York, USA - A painting by Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte has set a new auction record, selling for $121 million at Christie’s auction house in New York on Tuesday, surpassing previous records for both Magritte and surrealist art.
The piece, titled "L'empire des lumières" (The Empire of Light), is considered the most expensive surrealist artwork ever sold at auction. This striking juxtaposition of day and night, a hallmark of Magritte's surreal style, has drawn viewers into its eerie, almost mystical atmosphere.
"The Empire of Light" depicts a solitary street lamp illuminating the side of an English manor, reflected in a puddle left by a recent drizzle. The contrast between the bright daylight above and the grim, damp street below creates a sense of unease, as if the viewer is witnessing a world that is both familiar and yet, utterly surreal.
The painting sold for $121.16 million, far exceeding its estimated value of $95 million. This sale sets a new record for both Magritte's works and surrealist art as a genre, solidifying his position as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Christie's described the painting as the "crown jewel" of the late American interior designer Mica Ertegun's collection. This sale not only highlights the enduring allure of Magritte's work but also underscores the significance of surrealist art in the broader cultural landscape.
Other notable works from the auction included two lesser-known pieces by Magritte, "La cour d'amour" and "La Mémoire", which sold for $10.53 million and $3.68 million, respectively. Renowned artists such as Ed Ruscha, Max Ernst, and David Hockney also had pieces part of the auction, including Hockney's "A Still Life" fetching over $19 million.
René Magritte's legacy continues to captivate art collectors and enthusiasts around the world with his unique vision and mastery of surrealist art. The sale of "The Empire of Light" marks another milestone in the ongoing appreciation of his work, reaffirming his position as a true master of surrealism.